The First Step in Helping Our Kids: Volunteer Orientation

I am pleased to announce that we have engaged Denise Jeffrey as our new Volunteer Coordinator. She brings to SRO her vast experience working with Oakland youth as a principal and teacher in the OUSD for over 30 years. She’s also a veteran marathoner!

One of the keys to realizing our three-year strategic plan is increasing the effectiveness and retention of a core group of diverse and committed volunteers. Getting our programs up and running this coming fall means getting our devoted volunteer “brigade” in place in the coming few weeks, and that’s Denise’s first challenge!

We have lots of opportunities available – from academic tutors to yoga instructors – long-distance running is not required in many positions! What is required is a passion for transforming the lives of the youth we serve. (Our online Volunteer Flyer details more of the opportunities available.)

We’re looking for role models who can establish rapport with high school students of diverse backgrounds while helping them develop focus and confidence. Through our proven and structured programs of physical fitness, academic support, nutritional advice, and mentoring, our volunteers discover the immense rewards and satisfaction of seeing underacheiving kids set a new course toward fulfilling their potentials and ambitions.

Please join us in continuing our decade-long success at Students Run Oakland. We’re aiming for the 2012 Los Angeles Marathon this coming March, and we need you to help us get there.

Your first step is attending SRO’s volunteer orientation meeting on Saturday, June 4 at the Alameda County Public Health Department, 1000 Broadway, Suite 500. Our presentation runs about 90 minutes, starting at 10 a.m. You’ll meet other committed volunteers, learn more about the work we do, and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Also, be sure to fill out the SRO Volunteer Application before coming to the meeting so we have your basic information on file (it’s posted on the Volunteer page at www.sroakland.org). Please RSVP or forward any questions to srovolunteer@comcast.net.

Thank you for helping us in “Training for Life, One Step at a Time.”

In community,

Spencer Hooper, Executive Director